Brussels, 13/01/2003 (Agence Europe) - On Monday, the European Commission sent reasoned opinions to Austria, Belgium, Greece, Italy and Portugal for "apparent" failure to implement the 1999 Directive setting out the minimum standards for the protection of laying hens. All Member States were under an obligation to implement the Directive in national law by 1 January 2002 and notify the Commission of the measures taken. The sending of a so-called "reasoned opinion" to the five countries...